ugh we need a minivan: what works for your family?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We chose the Sienna because it had AWD

Same here that was the one obvious advantage over the Odessey I could find.

[Anonymous]

A plug for the Mazda 5, seats six in a small space. It might be too small for really tall or large people, but it works for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
A plug for the Mazda 5, seats six in a small space. It might be too small for really tall or large people, but it works for us.

but they are not making them no w

[Anonymous]

We are on our third Toyota Sienna. Both DH and I drive minivans. Our original one from the late 90s is still running.

We researched our first purchase carefully and concluded that the more costly Honda wasn't worth it. A dealer pointed out that Hondas don't carry heavy loads well (you can actually see the rear end sink when the trunk is loaded).

We're pleased with our very basic models...bells and whistles weren't necessary for us. We did however add a video player to our 2017.

PS - You'll probably love driving a minivan. I hate driving cars (when I travel for business) now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can either Sienna or Odyssey's back rows be folded into a flat surface?

Sienna can.

[Anonymous]

Respect the Van - Odyssey forever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myzwHDf3NhY

[Anonymous]

I am a Honda girl. All 3 of my last cars have been Hondas. That being said, when we got our 2010 Honda Odyssey, we were debating the Sienna. I actually test-drove both and still couldn't decide. Took the Sienna and test drove it to the Honda dealer, and parked side-by-side for better comparison. Eventually went with the Honda, Honda. Love it! Drives well, seats fold down flat all the way, ats come in and out easily, kids are older now, teens, but those boys take up a lot of room, as does their gear! While I'm not hauling strollers, I am hauling soccer bags, basketball bags, Etc. And the trips to Costco for milk and snacks - holy cow! I like the height of the Honda, and hoping this one, gets me through the kids off to college. That's another 5 years. Well four-and-a-half now! Then I'm going for the CR-V. A little bit smaller, but still has me not so low to the ground.

I don't think renting a minivan for a week would help you if you haven't driven one before, it takes awhile to get used to driving the big boat. My husband still has trouble parallel parking with it, where as I can do it easily. I'm from New York, and can pick it up and put it in the spot, with an inch or two in front and in back.

[Anonymous]

Another non-minivan option is the Ford Flex. My friend with 4 kids loves hers.

I like our Mazda5 (only available used now) but wouldn't recommend it if OP is planning on a 3rd kid. There's very little storage when you put up the back seat. We use that 3rd row only for occasional carpools and grandparent visits.

[Anonymous]

Never fear, OP! A minivan is much more practical. I was vehemently anti-minivan and had 7-seater SUVs while my kids were young. Now that they are teenagers, it's MUCH easier for them to climb out of a minivan than crawl out of an SUV. You will be fine and when they go off to college, you can get whatever you want!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Love my Toyota Sienna. Going on 12 years with it. It holds EVERYTHING.

Another Toyota Sienna fan. Holds all the crap. Drives very nicely.

[Anonymous]

If you want a very reliable vehicle which will hold its value well over time, then buy an Oddessy or a Sienna.

Honda & Toyotas run forever.

Sure, you could save money by purchasing a Kia, Hyundai, Chrysler or Ford....but if you plan to hold on to your vehicle for any length of time, then expect to fork out extra ca$h for the repairs.

Hondas + Toyotas usually aren’t the brand@ vehicles that break down often which is why many people tend to spend the extra cash in purchasing them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We love our Honda Odyssey - and we WANTED to get a minivan bc its the most practical with kids.

We also liked the Kia Sedona and the Chrysler Pacifica.

NP. We're considering the Pacifica. Love that there's the option for an electric model. Anyone try it out?

[Anonymous]

We have the 2017 Odyssey leased. I like it but the one thing that really bothers me is that it doesn’t have GPS. I don’t like using my phone for directions because it’s a distraction to me. The GPS only comes in the Touring model which also has a built in vacuum and dvd systems. My children are babies and will be rear facing for a long time so that’s useless at the moment. I also park next to the shop vac in the garage so a vacuum system is not something I cared for. It didn’t seem worth it to increase the payment for the extra stuff. The lack of built in GPS really bugs me though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can either Sienna or Odyssey's back rows be folded into a flat surface?

Odyssey definitely does, but I think Sienna does too IIRC.

On my 2nd Odyssey, will buy a 3rd for sure.

Yes, Sienna middle row and back row can fold into table like surfaces.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have the 2017 Odyssey leased. I like it but the one thing that really bothers me is that it doesn’t have GPS. I don’t like using my phone for directions because it’s a distraction to me. The GPS only comes in the Touring model which also has a built in vacuum and dvd systems. My children are babies and will be rear facing for a long time so that’s useless at the moment. I also park next to the shop vac in the garage so a vacuum system is not something I cared for. It didn’t seem worth it to increase the payment for the extra stuff. The lack of built in GPS really bugs me though.

Why would anyone lease a minivan? It’s easy enough to put in an aftermarket GPS in a vehicle that you own. Or get a mounting clip for your phone.